Rei

What is your earliest memory of games/playing games?
My brother and I shared a Famicom when we were kids and the first game I ever played was a hacked version of Street Fighter II. I don't know where we got it from and I was too young to remember how well or how poorly I played, but I had a ball playing with the four characters that we were limited to (such is the curse of hacked games from the early 90s!). I guess it explains the soft spot I now have for the Street Fighter franchise!

Have you always had a passion for gaming?
Games have always been a part of my life, and I can mostly thank my brother for being an avid gamer who was occasionally nice enough to pass down the games he'd finished playing to me. As a result, I was exposed to all kinds of videogames from a young age and it wasn't something I ever really thought about; video and computer games were always just there. I'm definitely more passionate about them now than I was when I was younger.

What is your favorite game?
This is like asking me which of my kidneys I like more. The left one, I think? No, the right one. Actually, make that Monkey Island (1, 2 and 3).

If you could design any kind of game, what would you design?
Two words: Violin Hero.

What do you love to do outside of gaming?
I love journalism and I love writing  whether it be news articles, features, reviews, or opinion pieces  it's one of the most important things to me and I can't see myself working in any other industry. I used to paint a lot, and art is something I'm still passionate about. I also play the violin and converse in haiku.

What do you think of the gaming industry in Australia?
We lack a presence on a global scale, which is a shame because Australia has some incredibly creative and talented minds. We've produced some fantastic titles, but most of our studios keep getting bought out by the international giants. The potential is definitely there, but we're a small fish in a massive pond at this point in time.

Who do you think will love Good Game and why?
I think anyone with an interest in gaming will enjoy the show. Having the show produced by people who know and love videogames will make it appeal to those who are passionate about gaming because it establishes a connection between the presenters and the viewers. That said, the show is also incredibly accessible, so even those with a passing interest in gaming will be able to find something to like about Good Game.

How do we attract more women into playing games?
We don't need to. Statistically, women make up a significant proportion of the gaming community; just because they're not the most vocal or in-your-face online or on forums doesn't mean they're not there. The industry just needs to keep making quality videogames and it'll be able to attract gamers from all walks of life.

What is the best job you have ever had?
It's pretty hard to top working for Good Game, but the best job I've had has probably been freelancing for magazines like Hyper, Mania, and Nerds Gone Wild! Writing for those mags opened up so many opportunities for me. I have no complaints about a job that lets me play games, write about them, and indulge myself in geeky things. It also helps that my employers are the most awesome people to work with.

What is the worst job you have ever had?
I once tutored English in a garage. 'Nuff said.

At home what do you cook?
Steam some vegies, sprinkle with salt and pepper, serve. I'm clearly the most exciting person in the world.

What is your favorite film?
The Nightmare Before Christmas by Tim Burton

What is your favorite book?
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

Are you excited about being the new member on GG?
Absolutely! I'm so grateful to have landed this position and it still feels a bit surreal to be working for such a well-respected program. I'm as excited now as the day I found out I got the job; I've been smiling so much, my cheeks hurt.